As parents, we obsess over keeping our homes clean and organised, but when it comes to our children’s development, embracing a bit of mess can be incredibly beneficial. As a neurodivergent person and mum of two young children, this is my biggest struggle. But understanding the FACTS about imaginative and messy play really helps to stress less and provide the opportunities.
Imaginative and messy play isn’t just about having fun—although that’s certainly a big part of it. These types of play are crucial for young children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Let’s explore why encouraging imaginative and messy play is one of the best things you can do for your little ones.
Pretend play is huge part of cognitive development
Imaginative play, often referred to as pretend play, allows children to explore different scenarios, roles, and ideas. Whether they’re pretending to be a chef in their play kitchen, a superhero saving the day, or a doctor caring for their stuffed animals, children use their imagination to create entire worlds. This type of play is essential for developing creativity—a skill that extends far beyond childhood and into adulthood.
Through imaginative play, children learn to think outside the box, solve problems creatively, and explore different perspectives. They experiment with language, practice social interactions, and build narratives, all of which contribute to their cognitive development. In essence, when children engage in pretend play, they’re not just having fun; they’re also learning important life skills.
Developing fine and gross motor skills
And what’s that, I hear you ask? It’s physical abilities like hand eye coordination, small gestures like tying shoelaces and threading, and large muscle movements like crawling, running, climbing and so on. Strength is importnt for overall health. A child’s core muscles will help them to have good posture and strength which will support growth and development. Things like poring, dragging, digging and lifting are great ways to help your child’s general strength. We find most of these skills are developed in the garden.
Messy play isn’t just a mess to clean up! It’s a sensory experience
Messy play often involves activities like painting, playing with sand or water, or anything sensory or natural.
Sensory experiences are vital for young children as they explore the world around them. Different textures, smells, and even sounds help children make sense of their environment. When children engage in activities like finger painting, playing with shaving foam, or splashing in water, they’re getting rich sensory input that aids in brain development.
These sensory experiences are not only fun but also calming. Many children find the repetitive motions of messy play—like squishing slime or pouring sand—soothing, which can help reduce anxiety and improve focus. Sensory play can also be particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing issues, as it helps them learn to manage and respond to different sensory inputs in a safe and enjoyable way.
Building confidence and independence
Imaginative and messy play provide children with opportunities to take control, make decisions, and see the outcomes of their actions. Whether they’re deciding how to build a sandcastle or inventing a story with their toys, children learn to trust their instincts and abilities. This autonomy fosters confidence and encourages them to take on new challenges with a sense of self-assuredness.
Additionally, because there’s no right or wrong way to engage in these types of play, children feel free to express themselves without fear of failure. This freedom to experiment and explore without judgment is crucial for building a strong sense of self and resilience.
Supporting emotional expression and social skills
Through imaginative play, children often act out scenarios that help them understand and process their emotions. For instance, pretending to be a parent comforting a doll can help them explore feelings of empathy and care. Similarly, messy play allows for emotional release—smashing playdough or finger painting with bold colors can be an outlet for expressing emotions like frustration or excitement.
And, when children engage in imaginative or messy play with others, they practice important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and cooperating. They learn to communicate their ideas, negotiate roles, and solve conflicts, all within the context of a fun, low-pressure environment.
Take a step back and enjoy your coffee, mama!
Although this type of play is far more than just ways to pass the time—they are absolutely opportunities for you to take a breather. As parents, we are not supposed to entertain our children 24/7, it’s not helpful for them. We also have things we need to do. Sometimes my children help with household chores, they actually have a few responsibilities around the house. But essentially, play needs to be what they consume most of their time with—and I don’t have the brain capacity to be ALWAYS playing. Although I do love it when I do!
By encouraging these types of play, you’re helping your child build creativity, motor skills, sensory awareness, confidence, and social-emotional skills. So next time you see your child knee-deep in paint or creating an elaborate imaginary world, remember that beneath the mess is a wealth of learning and growth.
Embrace the chaos and watch your child thrive!
Here’s something we did today. Made a jungle from bits in the garden. Follow us on instagram for more ideas!
Diary of a Home Ed Kid 